Beijing may face WTO action on exports

BRUSSELS: The European Union (EU) and the United States could take action against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) this month over alleged export restrictions on around 20 industrial raw materials, said EU and industry sources.

The insiders said Brussels and Washington plan to formally request consultations with Beijing on the issue on June 22. If the talks fail, the next step would be calling for a WTO panel to hear the complaint.

The EU and the US say China is restricting exports of raw materials used in steel, semiconductors, aircraft and other products, despite Beijing's pledge to eliminate taxes and charges on exports when it joined the WTO in 2001.